Three arrested after nitrous oxide seized in Toxteth

We have arrested three males after more than 30 large canisters of nitrous oxide were found in a car driving around Toxteth in the early hours of Monday (25 November).

At 12.25am, officers stopped a silver Ford Kuga on Sefton Street containing three male occupants.

The officers spotted nitrous oxide cannisters in the footwell and detained all three males. More canisters were found in the boot of the car and seized.

Three males from Liverpool aged 15, 16 and 30 were arrested on suspicion of possession of a psychoactive substance with intent to supply a Class C controlled drug (nitrous oxide).

The 15-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B controlled drug (ketamine).

All three were taken into custody to be interviewed and have been released under investigation.

Inspector Matthew Farmer said: “For a long time it has been illegal to produce, supply, import or export nitrous oxide for psychoactive purposes.

“It is now also illegal to possess nitrous oxide if the intended purpose is to inhale it and those caught in possession will face consequences. 

“Abuse of nitrous oxide is dangerous and has been linked to antisocial behaviour and criminality in Merseyside and across the UK.

“This proactive stop by officers on patrol has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of nitrous oxide and three arrests. We will continue to disrupt those we suspect of dealing drugs in Merseyside, and I would ask that anyone with information about where drugs are being stored and dealt to come forward so action can be taken.”
 
Anyone with any information about drugs or any other organised criminal activity is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101, DM us @MerPolCC or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
 
Alternatively, visit Crimestoppers’ website to make an online report here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information